Top 10 explorer.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

1 Socialise Newcomers should seize every opportunity to get out and socialise, as not only will this help you settle in and make friends, but word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to finding somewhere to live in Dubai. It's not unusual to meet somebody, who knows somebody, who is looking for a flatmate.

2 Take a Friend It doesn't matter whether you have found a brand new apartment or an older, villa share, it is always best to take someone along with you to have a look. Although Dubai is a safe place, you will feel more confident going with someone you trust, especially if meeting strangers.Plus you can discuss the pros and cons with them once you have left.

3 Noise Dubai can seem a bit of a building site for the uninitiated, and noise is something even heavy sleepers should be wary of. When viewing a place, take note of any open spaces nearby, and check that no building work is due to start.What may at first seem like a tranquil and relaxing place to relax could end up with round the clock building work going on next door a few months down the line.

4 The Right Mix If you are moving into a flat share, it is important to check you have the right mix of people (and attitudes) under the same roof, or there could be fireworks. Having similar interests will help you fit into the group, and provide opportunities to spend time together. Finding out how often potential housemates like to go out and let their hair down, or party at home is another good indicator, as that could be a great boost for your social life, but not so great for your eight hours of beauty sleep during the week.

5 Use Your Car This may sound like a fairly obvious tip, but go for a drive. Have a look for new buildings, and ask the watchmen for phone numbers of landlords. Take a pen and paper, and keep a look-out for villas that have 'To Let' signs outside, usually with a contact number underneath, you never know where you could find your dream home.

6 Advertising Next time you are at the supermarket, check out the noticeboards, as they usually have accommodation listed. Many newspapers have dedicated property sections, divided into buying, or renting sections. Web sites like www.dubaidonkey.com and www.propertylisting.ae have a wide range of properties listed, many with photos attached. The ever popular www.dubizzle.com allows you to upload your own advert, so you can find your ideal housemates.

7 Money Matters It is unusual to find somewhere that offers monthly rent payments. It is more common for landlords to ask for two to four post dated cheques, and be aware of any deposits payable upfront. Consider your budget, and the practicalities of paying rental installments, it may be worthwhile speaking to your bank about a loan. Many landlords realise the difficulty of paying a year's rent upfront, but if you can afford it, some landlords will offer a discount on the total rent.

8 Location, Location When viewing a potential new pad, check out the surrounding areas for amenities. Is there a supermarket nearby? Good schools? Cheap takeaway? Easy to get a taxi? See what's in close proximity, and get a good feel for the area. Go for a drive at different times of the day, to see if it's difficult to park, or how long the daily commute will be.

9 Ask Questions Be sure to have a list of questions to ask landlords or housemates. Be clear on what facilities are included with the rent, for example internet, DEWA, or satellite TV. Dubai can be expensive, and you want as much bang for your buck as possible. Rent might be cheap, but if you are shelling out for lots of extras every month, it will soon eat into your budget. Ask how much bills usually cost, as this will help with budgeting.

10 Think Short Term Don't rule out a short term let as a valid option. There are usually a number of places available for a short time. Renting somewhere for three months or so can help you decide the kind of area you would like to live in, and the kind of people you want to live with. Financially, you won't have to hand over such a large sum of money, and if things don't work out as planned, there is less hassle than if you paid six months, or more, upfront.

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